Hatching Chicks
Choose Good Fertile Eggs
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Get fertile eggs from your own flock (with a rooster) or a trusted breeder.
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Pick clean, uncracked, normal-shaped eggs — avoid oddly large/small or dirty ones.
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Store before incubating:
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Keep at 55–60°F (13–16°C) and 50–60% humidity.
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Pointy end down.
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Set within 7–10 days of laying for best hatch rates.
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Before Using The Incubator
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Clean and disinfect your incubator.
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Run it for 24 hours before adding eggs to stabilize conditions:
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Temperature: 99.5°F (37.5°C)
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Humidity: 45–55% for the first 18 days
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Turner: Automatic turning is ideal; otherwise, mark each egg “X” and “O” and turn manually 3–5× daily.
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Incubation Timeline
After Hatching
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Leave chicks in the incubator until fully dry and fluffy (6–12 hours).
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Move to a brooder box with:
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Temperature: 95°F (35°C) first week, drop 5°F each week after.
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Bedding: Pine shavings (not cedar).
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Feed: Chick starter crumble (medicated optional).
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Water: Shallow dish with marbles to prevent drowning.
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Space: At least ½ sq. ft per chick initially.
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Tips: Keep steady conditions — sudden drops in temp/humidity can cause chicks to die mid-hatch. Don’t open the incubator during lockdown (Days 18–21). Candle eggs in a dark room for clear results. Sanitize between batches to prevent bacteria buildup. Patience! Some chicks take 24 hours or more from pip to hatch.